You be the Bucs GM: Offensive Line
Anthony Collins was a huge disappointment at left tackle after signing a lucrative free-agent deal. TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO By Ira Kaufman | Tribune Staff Published: March 7, 2015The NFL calendar officially flips to 2015 with the start of free agency. A three-day negotiating period begins today, allowing teams and prospective free agents to begin the matchmaking process. On Tuesday, contracts can be signed. With at least $33 million in available salary cap space, the Bucs are expected to address a number of needs as coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht look to fix the mistakes of 2014’s 2-14 season. For seven straight days, The Tribune and TBO.com will feature one position each day. We’ll provide analysis of the position and list the players to consider. So, here’s your chance, Bucs fans. Go to TBO.com and tell us what you would do.*****Despite replacing four starters, Tampa Bay’s offensive line was a primary culprit for a 2-14 season that likely will usher in more changes up front. The Bucs didn’t have a 500-yard rusher and QBs Josh McCown and Mike Glennon were often harried, combining for 52 sacks.Add in a flurry of critical mistakes, both mental and physical, and it’s clear the Bucs enter free agency seeking immediate upgrades, particularly at right guard and one of the tackle spots. There are some enticing veterans available in free agency, but Tampa Bay will be wary about overpaying.Demar Dotson, who arrived in 2009 as a free agent, is the most-tenured Bucs player. He has been a solid right tackle, but he started last season’s final three games on the left side with mixed results. If Tampa Bay can find a dependable lineman to handle the blind side, Dotson figures to return to his natural position.BUCS UNDER CONTRACT FOR 2015C Josh Allen — Played in four games as a rookie free agent.T Anthony Collins — Huge disappointment at left tackle after signing lucrative free-agent deal.C Evan Dietrich-Smith — Made 15 starts after signing as free agent from Green Bay.T Demar Dotson — Has shown steady improvement at right tackle, but could be shifted to left.G Kadeem Edwards — Fifth-round pick never took a snap in his rookie season.G Garrett Gilkey — His one start at center, versus Cincinnati, proved disastrous.G Logan Mankins — Veteran made all 16 starts after being traded by New England.G Patrick Omameh — Didn’t miss a start, but his tape wasn’t particularly impressive.T Kevin Pamphile — Played seven games as a rookie, including two starts at tight end.T Matt Patchan — Rookie free agent spent the last two months on the practice squad.C Jeremiah Warren — Former University of South Florida player was relegated to practice squad.BUCS POTENTIAL FREE AGENTSG Oniel Cousins — Veteran started three games at each tackle spot last season.NFL potential free agentsG Mike Iupati — Mauler from the 49ers will command a big contract.G Orlando Franklin — This 6-foot-7, 320-pound wide body is only 27.T Bryan Bulaga — Yielded only one sack in final 10 games at right tackle for Packers.T Doug Free — Played well for Cowboys at right tackle, but is 31.C Stefan Wisniewski — Only 25, was a four-year starter for the Raiders.C Rodney Hudson — Former FSU standout is only 25 and excelled for Kansas City.
